We expect our teeth to last a lifetime; however, it seems the standard of oral health care in Australia – especially in regional areas of Australia – leaves quite a bit to be desired.
Recent studies indicate that Australians have lower standards of oral health than almost any other developed country.
In part, this problem is due to a shortage of skilled oral health care practitioners, but there are strategies that we can personally put into practice that will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease occurring – strategies that were highlighted during the recent National Dental Health Awareness Week.
The most common cause of oral health problems is plaque. Plaque is a thin, sticky film which builds up on the teeth. It is produced by a combination of saliva, bacteria and food. The bacteria ferment sugars in the food forming acids that erode the tooth enamel. Plaque also damages the gums as well.
The plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but it quickly reforms. When it stays on the teeth for longer that a few days, it hardens into tartar (or calculus) that acts a reservoir for bacteria. The tarter then needs to be removed by a dentist.
For some good tips on how to keep your teeth long term, and how to keep those tissues that support the teeth healthy as well, get hold of the Fact Card titled Oral Health. It’s available from pharmacies around Australia that provide the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information.
For a start, brush your teeth twice a day – morning and bedtime – with a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Take the time to brush carefully and gently along the tongue, or use a tongue cleaner, as bacteria can thrive on the tongue, too.
A low fluoride toothpaste is recommended for children aged 18 months to 6 years, and for children under the age of 18 months brushing without a paste is best.
To completely remove plaque and food from between the teeth we should also floss once a day (rinse thoroughly after flossing) or use interdental brushes. The appropriate flossing technique is detailed on the Oral Health card.
Healthy eating makes healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sweet sugary drinks and snacks; and if you do snack between meals, rinse the mouth with water afterwards. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer; so it’s another good reason to quit smoking. Smoking also contributes to dry mouth, itself a factor in causing teeth and gum disease.
Saliva (we normally secrete about 1.5 litres a day) assists speech, taste and swallowing and prepares food for digestion. A good flow of saliva also helps prevent tooth decay and protects against mouth and gum infections.
Saliva production commonly decreases with age, but apart from smoking, there are other factors which reduce the flow of saliva such as alcohol and caffeine containing drinks (they can be dehydrating), snoring and breathing through the mouth, and also certain medicines.
In fact medicines are the most common cause of dry mouth. If you’re suffering from chronic or continual dry mouth, check with your pharmacist to see if one or more medicines could be the cause. Of course, sometimes these medicines are essential, but there are ways to minimise the dryness. Special gels, sprays, toothpastes, gums and mouthwashes are available.
For more information on keeping your mouth, teeth and gums fresh and clean and disease free, check out the fact cards on Oral Health and Dry Mouth at one of the 1,650 Self Care pharmacies around Australia. For the nearest location go to the Pharmaceutical Society website www.psa.org.au and click on “Self Care Pharmacy Finder”.
